Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva announced the plans on August 12 while presenting the Government’s 2024–2029 program to a joint session of Parliament.
He said the projects are aimed at enhancing connectivity, particularly for farmers and livestock keepers, by making it easier to deliver produce to markets. The government also expects the improved road network to support broader economic growth.
“Agriculture and livestock production are projected to increase by 50%,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said, adding that the new transport infrastructure will be complemented by the promotion of electric vehicles to reduce environmental impact. Public transport in Kigali will also be expanded to ease congestion during peak hours.
In the aviation sector, Rwanda plans to increase RwandAir’s destinations and double passenger numbers by 2029, while expanding the airline’s cargo capacity to boost exports. The Kigali International Airport is expected to be completed in 2027/2028, further strengthening the country’s air transport network.
The government projects that average per capita income will rise from USD 1,040 to over USD 1,360 by 2029.
The delegation, comprising representatives of 15 members of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), engaged with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and other political leaders on the ongoing implementation of the revitalized peace accord as well as the December 2026 elections, which will end the transition period in the conflict-hit country.
“The council stressed the need to ensure the full implementation of the remaining tasks in the revitalized agreement, and called for a permanent ceasefire and protection of civilians and humanitarian workers,” the AUPSC said in a statement.
Commending the commitment expressed by South Sudanese political leaders for the completion of the transition process, the council called for “an inclusive political high-level dialogue among the political leaders for an amicable resolution of the current political situation in the country.”
The AUPSC reaffirmed its “continued dedication to support South Sudan to end the conflict and ensure a successful completion of the transition period,” expressing its unwavering support to South Sudan toward the organization of the December 2026 elections.
According to the AU, the field mission was undertaken as an expression of the AU’s solidarity with the people of South Sudan. The delegation’s visit came as regional diplomatic efforts intensified to shore up the faltering revitalized peace deal.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011 following decades of struggle and a protracted peace process, has navigated a precarious path between restoring peace and enduring instability, most notably in 2013 and more recently in 2016, when widespread conflict triggered the initiation of internal peace processes.
Her death has drawn condolences from across Africa and the international community.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, extended sympathies to her family and to the people of Rwanda.
The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Souef Mohamed El-Amine, also expressed sorrow over her passing, describing her as a leader dedicated to building connections between people from Kigali to the United Nations.
Dr. Kacyira’s career spanned senior roles both in Rwanda and abroad. She served as a Member of Parliament from 2003 to 2006 before becoming Mayor of Kigali from 2006 to 2011. She was then appointed Governor of the Eastern Province, serving briefly in that capacity.
During her tenure as Mayor of Kigali, she was recognised in 2008 by UN-Habitat for transforming the city into a model of cleanliness, tranquillity, and sustainable development.
Her efforts also included promoting affordable housing and creating accessible job opportunities for residents.
From 2011 to 2018, Dr. Kacyira was the Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She also held the role of Project Director in Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and worked with international organisations such as Oxfam and Care International.
In 2020, she was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ghana, with concurrent accreditation to Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. In 2023, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed her Head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), a position she held until her passing.
Dr. Kacyira held a master’s degree in Veterinary Science in Animal Production and Economics from James Cook University in Australia, and a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University in Uganda.
Ament, whose mother is Rwandan, is set to join the University of Tennessee Men’s Basketball Program this fall and is widely projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
At a time when his profile is rising, Nate chose to step away from the U.S. spotlight to spend time in the country he calls his second home, reconnect with family, and inspire the next generation of Rwandan athletes.
It was an opportunity for Ament to engage directly with young people through basketball sessions in Nyamirama, where local players, school children, and community members gathered for a day of sport, celebration, and learning.
The visit was hosted on courts developed by Shooting Touch, a nonprofit that has worked in Rwanda for over a decade to combine basketball with community health and youth empowerment.
Nate shared skills, played in scrimmages, and even joined in local dances with youth and women’s teams. These moments of joy and interaction highlighted a key message: that basketball is as much about relationships and shared experiences as it is about performance.
For many young players, Nate’s presence served as living proof of what can happen when hard work meets opportunity.
While the day included training sessions, games, and plenty of laughter, it also offered access to free health screenings — a reminder that sport can be a gateway to wider opportunities and well-being.
Reflecting on the visit, Shooting Touch’s Director of International Strategy and Programming, Chloe Rothman, emphasized the value of building courts within communities and pairing them with comprehensive health programs around the game.
“Our goal is to ensure athletes aren’t just healthy enough to play, but equipped to thrive long after their time with us. Having Nate Ament — arguably the most influential figure in Rwandan basketball to date — here with us, embracing our ‘bigger than basketball’ mission, means the world to our team and our community,” she said.
{{A homecoming rooted in family and service}}
Nate’s Rwandan connection runs deep. His mother, Godelive Mukankuranga, and father, Albert Ament, met in Rwanda in 1998 while working in health and humanitarian development.
Guided by the values instilled by his parents, Nate believes in using his talents to uplift others — a belief that shaped his activities during this trip.
One of the most meaningful moments came when students from the Itetero Kayonza Nursery and Primary School, run by Nate’s aunt, joined the basketball clinic.
For Nate, seeing his extended family alongside local children created a shared space where sport, culture, and heritage intertwined.
The event brings together modern technology, innovative solutions, and traditional crafts, offering visitors a comprehensive view of Rwanda’s evolving business landscape.
This year’s exhibition spans a wide range of industries, including telecommunications and IT, public institutions, construction, agriculture, electronics, petroleum, machinery, textiles, tourism, handicrafts, furniture, mining, banking, food and beverages, and more.
IGIHE visited the expo to speak with some of the exhibitors and learn about their products and experiences.
Many exhibitors share a common goal: to provide quality products while using the expo as a platform to reach new customers. Whether offering practical tools, health products, or home goods inspired by local culture, they emphasize the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting to the market.
Helen Uwimbabazi, a five-year participant in the expo, showcased Indian herbal products such as the Shilajit blood stone—believed to aid in detoxification—and hair oil designed to promote growth and shine. She noted that the expo has been instrumental in expanding her customer base and boosting sales, particularly during promotions like her current 25% discount.
Another exhibitor, Helally Mucyo, presented products sourced from Egypt and Dubai, including cotton toys, sofa covers, mosquito nets, and bed linens made of 100% cotton. She advised new entrepreneurs to focus on product quality, team selection, and understanding market demands. The expo’s diverse audience, she said, allows her to connect with both new and returning customers.
“Confidence in your product is key! Choose reliable workers and deeply understand how the market works to succeed in business,” she said.
From Uganda, Denis Mugabe showcased a multi-function hose designed for car washing and gardening, available in various lengths.
Together, these businesses demonstrate resilience and dedication. Many have built strong relationships with customers through consistent quality, while the expo provides them with exposure to wider, often international, markets.
Promotional offers and live demonstrations help attract buyers, with some exhibitors reporting significantly higher daily sales at the expo compared to regular retail outlets.
Rwanda’s supportive business environment, coupled with regional trade opportunities, continues to encourage new entrepreneurs to explore market potential and grow their ventures.
The expo is organised by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The three-week event is scheduled to close on August 17, 2025.
Watch the video below for more highlights from Rwanda Expo 2025.
Celestin finished top of a competitive field of over 60 professional and amateur golfers from across Africa. Players competed for Ksh 2 million (about Frw 22 million) in prize money, as well as valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
This is Celestin’s second major win of the season after his success at the Q-School tournament. He also recently finished runner-up at Nyali Golf & Country Club. His strong form continued on the challenging coastal course, where he managed the tough conditions with skill and consistency.
Kigali Golf Resort and Villas (KGRV), a brand of Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course (RUGC) with the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) as the main shareholder, warmly congratulated Celestin on his achievement.
“We are extremely proud of Celestin’s accomplishment. His talent and dedication inspire the Rwandan golf community and fans across the region. Kigali Golf Resort and Villas remains committed to supporting his journey as he continues to represent Rwanda on regional and international stages,” said Gasore Z. Gaston, Acting CEO of KGRV.
KGRV noted that Celestin’s success reflects Rwanda’s growing presence in the regional and international golfing arena, driven by strategic investments from RSSB and strong government support. Such initiatives have expanded opportunities for Rwandan athletes to compete at the highest levels while boosting the country’s profile as a golf and sports tourism destination.
Weasel was admitted to hospital on August 7 following an altercation during which his wife allegedly knocked him down. Teta Sandra was immediately [ arrested ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ugandan-police-confirm-arrest-of-sandra-teta] but was later released after her husband forgave her, with police deciding to drop the case.
A witness told police that Teta Sandra struck Weasel three times, causing an injury to his leg. The incident occurred at a parking lot of a bar called Chans, located in Munyonyo.
Weasel and Teta Sandra have been living together since 2018 and have two children.
However, their relationship has been marked by frequent public disputes, culminating in Teta Sandra leaving for Rwanda in 2022.
In April 2023, she returned to Uganda and reconciled with her husband. In May 2025, Weasel visited Kigali to attend a concert by his elder brother, Jose Chameleone, and at the time told IGIHE he planned to visit his wife’s family.
The plant, struck in the drone attacks launched by the Main Intelligence Directorate under the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Monday, is Russia’s sole producer of helium used in rocket manufacturing, space and aviation industries, the report said.
Local residents reportedly witnessed drones flying near the plant, and a series of explosions were reported in the targeted area.
According to the district, this activity has created employment for 9,650 people through 36 licensed companies operating in the sector.
Several rivers host multiple licensed mining sites, including the Sebeya River, which has four sand mining sites, and the Koko River, which has three.
Rutsiro District Executive Secretary, Pierre Claver Bagirishya, told IGIHE that sand mining generated substantial revenue, accounting for about 39% of the district’s total income, which reached 1.15 billion Rwandan Francs in the 2024/25 financial year.
“For the 2024/25 fiscal year, we had projected tax revenues of 1,115 million Frw, but we exceeded that target, reaching 1,150 million Frw, achieving a performance rate of 103%,” he said.
He added that for the 2025/26 fiscal year, the district aims to raise total tax and fee collections to Frw 1,400 million.
Residents say the activity has improved their livelihoods while contributing to the district’s development.
Tumaini Habumugisha, from Gihango Sector, said the income he earned enabled him to buy two pigs and more than ten chickens, ensuring his family never lacks food.
He also noted that on a single mining site along the Koko River, between 300 and 400 people work daily to support their families.
Another resident, Augustin Uwiringiyimana, said income from sand mining allowed him to build a home.
“I did not have a house before, but now I have built one with two bedrooms and a living room thanks to the income from digging and packing sand,” he explained.
The majority of the district’s tax revenue—over Frw 450 million —comes from sand mining, making it the largest contributor, followed by land fees.
Other revenue streams include payments for trading licences, property taxes, rental income taxes, leasing of government property, and fines.
